The conductor was two massive metal pillars adorned with glowing blue veins. They stood within a transparent, indestructible dome. A barrier built to let explorers in but keep the beasts out.
Ezrik, Evren, and the group of Dregs arrived before the entrance. Gregory pulled out his crystal, held it against the scanner, and the door slid open with a low hum.
They stepped inside. Evren and Ezrik exchanged uneasy glances, both glancing back toward the desert, hoping the others weren't far behind.
"Alright, everyone. It's time to go," Gregory announced. Some of the Dregs gathered around the first pillar while the rest moved to the second, each holding up their crystals.
"What do we do? They're not here yet," Ezrik whispered, his tone tight.
Evren's jaw clenched as he looked around, noticing for the first time that every explorer had a crystal of their own.
"Maybe use your ability," he murmured. "Just stall them a few seconds."
